Lest I forget...

Dear Lacey,

Happy 1st Birthday! We have had an exciting weekend as we've celebrated you being in our lives for an entire year. Has it been a year already? I admit that I found myself a bit sad the night before your birthday. The year has gone so quickly and I realize that things are not slowing down. As Daddy sweetly reminded me though, you are sealed to us forever and no matter how much you grow or where your life takes you, you will always be our baby. I remember so vividly every moment of the day you were born. Daddy and I anxiously entered the hospital, not sure of what to expect but eager to hold you in our arms at last. There was pain and there was worry, but at 4:33 pm, there was pure joy. You were met by two parents who were already so in love with you as well as a long list of relatives and friends who could not wait to meet you.

Now, a year has passed and I can summarize it in much the same way. There has been pain and worry as Daddy and I have nurtured you through colds, ear aches, and teething battles; but every moment has been filled with the pure joy that you have brought into our family. You have gone from a helpless infant who slept most of the day to an extremely active one-year-old who is on the brink of walking. Cries have turned into simple requests, such as "ba ba" (bottle), "cackuh" (cracker), "Ma Ma" and "Da Da". Those little hands that at one time clung to my finger as you ate are now capable of feeding yourself, clapping in excitement, and splashing in the bath tub. The infant who needed everything done for you has turned into an independent and determined baby who insists on doing as much for yourself as you can. As you have developed, so has your personality. Your jovial nature captures the attention of everyone you pass. You happily greeted everyone on your first plane ride, you say "hi" to fellow shoppers at grocery stores and malls, and your coy smile flatters even the grumpiest of men. You truly are a joy to all you meet.

Daddy and I have also enjoyed learning your list of favorite things. At one year old, your favorite activity remains taking a bath. As soon as you hear that water running, you scurry into the bathroom and stand beside the tub, laughing and dancing in excitement. Of course, you also enjoy play time with Mommy and Daddy at the end of the day too. You love being chased and tickled, but you will definitely sit still for one of Daddy's back rubs. That is one of the few things you will sit still for! Your favorite foods seem to be fruits, particularly watermelon. You also love blueberries and you wait somewhat impatiently for Daddy to peel and slice his grapes for you to share. Just recently, you have become quite attached to the blanket that was given as a gift when you were born from some of Daddy's old friends. You drag that thing all over the place! In fact, just the other day, you wrapped that blanket around you like a cape and took your first few steps to Ms. Nora. The blanket appears to give you super powers! It was so exciting to see and we can't wait for you to do it again!

To celebrate your birthday, Mommy, Daddy, and everyone you met in the hospital after you were born got together to throw you your first party. Grandma and Papa Whelan were there, as were Aunt Heather, Kyra and Kierstin, Aunt Amber, Uncle Ryan, Haylee, Grace, RJ and Courtlyn, Aunt Kristen and Carson, Uncle Kyle and Aunt Michelle. Nanny and Papa Hughlett were also there, along with Aunt Christine, Emily and William. We also had very good friends there to celebrate-- Auntie Kerry, along with Andy, Britney, and Richard James and Ms. Nora, Roger, Alex and Addision. That's a big party for a one-year-old, but you just have so many people who love you that they all wanted to be there. You are a very lucky girl to be so loved! We all went to the park near our house where we ate sandwiches and cake, talked, played, and opened lots of great presents. It was a fairly warm February day in Texas, with a bit of wind that blew through the park to make things a little interesting. Unfortunately, the new teeth that you're getting were making you a bit uncomfortable, but you enjoyed the celebration. Mommy and Daddy were so grateful to see such an outpouring of love, especially because so many people drove an hour or more to come. We will always be grateful that you get to grow up with so much family near you and we hope that you know how much you are loved.

You were given many gifts, but it is you who is a gift to our family. Being your Mommy is an incredible blessing and I know that Daddy would say the same thing. You are our joy, our love, and our sweet little Lacey-bug. We can't wait to see what the next year brings!
We love you so much!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

**Pictures to follow... just wanted to write this to save for Lacey.